Lucky Puppy Magazinehttps://www.luckypuppymag.com
Live Well. Do Good. Be Great.Fri, 17 Aug 2018 07:23:08 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8CBD for Dogs: Your Top Questions Answered & Links To More Resourceshttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/cbd-dogs-top-questions-answered-links-resources/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/cbd-dogs-top-questions-answered-links-resources/#respondFri, 17 Aug 2018 07:23:08 +0000https://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=7369This summer, its one of the hottest topics among pet owners: CBD oil. In fact, Google search results released show that “CBD for dogs” was one of the most searched for terms by dog owners. CBD & Dogs: Your Top Questions Answered The Lucky Puppy team put together a list of links, questions, and resources […]

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/cbd-dogs-top-questions-answered-links-resources/feed/0CBD Oil for Dogs: Everything You Need to Knowhttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/cbd-oil-dogs-everything-need-know/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/cbd-oil-dogs-everything-need-know/#respondWed, 25 Jul 2018 21:30:52 +0000https://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=7363Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve most likely heard about the potential benefits of CBD or hemp oil for dogs. Cannanine by iHeartDogs just released detailed guide on CBD hemp oil, covering everything from the science, to the dosages, to the benefits, and risks. CBD oil is purported to help pups who suffer […]

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/cbd-oil-dogs-everything-need-know/feed/0How Hemp Oil Can Help Your Dog’s Fear of Fireworks (or other noise related anxiety)https://www.luckypuppymag.com/hemp-oil-can-help-dogs-fear-fireworks-noise-related-anxiety/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/hemp-oil-can-help-dogs-fear-fireworks-noise-related-anxiety/#commentsThu, 05 Jul 2018 06:59:05 +0000https://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=7371Grilling with friends, beach trips, finally being able to wear your favorite American flag bathing suit—July 4th has a lot to look forward to. All that patriotic celebrating usually culminates in an impressive display of light and sound, but not everyone in the family is as excited about holiday fireworks as you are. When you […]

]]>Grilling with friends, beach trips, finally being able to wear your favorite American flag bathing suit—July 4th has a lot to look forward to. All that patriotic celebrating usually culminates in an impressive display of light and sound, but not everyone in the family is as excited about holiday fireworks as you are. When you see pretty lights in the sky, your dog experiences all the worst kinds of fear.

Keeping your pup at home, closing all the doors and windows, and wrapping them up in an anti-anxiety shirt are all ways to help them cope with Fourth of July fireworks. For dogs with serious anxiety, however, it might be time to try something new. CBD oil from hemp is a safe, all-natural solution to a number of canine health issues. It does things like relieve pain from arthritis and stop seizures, and it also plays a big role in easing anxiety in dogs. Here’s what you need to know.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis. There are over 100 different cannabinoids, and CBD from hemp is the big player when it comes to healing and well-being. It’s found in both marijuana and hemp, and once it’s extracted, it’s turned into the substance called CBD oil.

The reason why Hemp / CBD oil is so beneficial for the body has to do with the endocannabinoid system. All mammals—people and dogs included—have endocannabinoid systems comprised of interconnected cannabinoid receptors These receptors are in charge of relaying important information about what’s going on in the body to trigger the appropriate immune response. It’s the body’s command center for health and healing.

CBD oil comes into play because, as a cannabinoid, it can bond with these receptors to allow better communication. It tells the system what kind of immune response is needed, and it’s a completely natural way for the body to bring itself back into balance.

But Isn’t Cannabis Bad For Dogs?

There’s no denying the fact that marijuana is bad for dogs. Pets should never be exposed to the marijuana plant or its smoke. One of the main reasons why marijuana is harmful to dogs is because it contains the psychoactive cannabinoid called THC. THC has certain similarities with CBD, but there are two big differences.

The first is that unlike THC, CBD can’t make you high. As an isolated cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t have any of the psychoactive properties of THC. The second difference is that while CBD oil is found in both marijuana and hemp, THC is only found in marijuana. Hemp is the safer, non-psychoactive type of cannabis, and CBD oil from hemp is virtually THC-free. It’s legal in all 50 states, and CBD oil derived from hemp is a safe and effective way to treat both dogs and the people who love them.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?

Not every dog is afraid of fireworks, but for those that are, it’s seriously scary. Many dogs have noise sensitivities, and fireworks aren’t the only triggers. Thunder, loud music, construction sounds, and anything else above a normal volume can put them on edge.

Dogs develop fear responses for a number of reasons. It might have to do with a past experience that was especially traumatizing, or it could be because the dog wasn’t exposed to loud sounds during their developmental puppy stages. Dr. Rachel Casey recently led a study on how domestic dogs react to noises. She said in Animal Wellness Magazine,

“Our results suggest that the characteristics of dogs, their early environment, and exposure to specific noises are involved in the development of fear responses to noises.

The day after July Fourth is one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters because dogs afraid of fireworks panic and run away. They jump over fences, crash through windows, and do everything they can think of to escape the terrifying sound. It’s a serious risk, and you owe it to your dog to help them feel safe.

How CBD Oil Can Help

CBD oil’s effectiveness in relieving anxiety is one of the main reasons why it has recently become popular. You don’t need to worry about side effects from prescription medications, and CBD oil is reliably fast-acting.

At its root, a dog’s fear response to noise is all about anxiety. Loud noises make them feel emotionally distressed, wary, and like they have no control over what’s happening. The brain releases a cocktail of stress hormones that are more powerful than all your comforting words and soothing pets could ever be.

CBD oil works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to tell the body something isn’t right. The chemical imbalance that is anxiety needs to be put right, and CBD oil makes sure it happens. Many dog owners have found that after administering CBD oil, their anxious dogs become noticeably calmer. The fear that clouds their minds is lifted, and they’re better able to cope with their emotions.

To use CBD oil to your dog’s best advantage this Fourth of July, administer your chosen product’s recommended dosage 15-30 minutes before the festivities are expected to start. CBD oil works fast, and you should see results the first time you try it. Dosage will depend on the specific product you use and whether you’ve chosen a tincture or an edible treat. Start with a low dosage and only increase if you don’t see results. The great thing is, current studies show it’s impossible to overdose on CBD. If you accidentally give your dog more than anticipated, there’s a very low chance of it having adverse effects.

Cananine Organic Hemp Oil from Cannanine is an organic, non-GMO, and all-natural product that brings the benefits of CBD oil to your dog. It contains no THC, and because it’s derived solely from hemp, it’s legal in every state. There are no heavy metals, bacteria, or mold, and patented Nano-Sized Microemulsion guarantees high absorbability, so your dog can take advantage of every drop. It’s safe, all-natural, and most importantly, it works. If you’re ready for you and your pup to have a stress-free Fourth of July, talk to a holistic vet about how CBD oil can help your dog with their fear of fireworks.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/hemp-oil-can-help-dogs-fear-fireworks-noise-related-anxiety/feed/1Caffeine for a Cause? With This New Coffee, You’ll Never Feel Guilty About That Extra Cuphttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/caffeine-cause-new-coffee-youll-never-feel-guilty-extra-cup/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/caffeine-cause-new-coffee-youll-never-feel-guilty-extra-cup/#respondSat, 24 Feb 2018 17:35:34 +0000https://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=7361Need a reason to justify that next cup of coffee? Look no further. A new line of coffee called “Every Cup Feeds a Pup” makes a striking promise: Every single cup you drink provides a meal for shelter dog. Teaming up with charity partners GreaterGood.org and RescueBank, Every Cup Feeds a Pup donates a full […]

A new line of coffee called “Every Cup Feeds a Pup” makes a striking promise: Every single cup you drink provides a meal for shelter dog.

Teaming up with charity partners GreaterGood.org and RescueBank, Every Cup Feeds a Pup donates a full 25 meals to animal shelters with each bag sold, corresponding to one meal per cup of coffee (it’s a 12 oz. bag of beans).

And if you think this is all marketing just to sell a mediocre cup of joe, think again. We’re talking single-origin, Colombian Supremo beans.

I would describe the taste as very balanced and smooth. The roast is not too light, and not too dark or burnt tasting. On the bag the tasting notes describes the flavor as “smooth chocolate, caramel, and red berries.” I personally can’t taste these flavors, but it’s still one fantastic cup of coffee.

And knowing I am playing a small part in helping shelter dogs? Even better tasting!

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/caffeine-cause-new-coffee-youll-never-feel-guilty-extra-cup/feed/0This Company Is Giving Away Free Stickers That Could Save Your Pet’s Lifehttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/this-company-is-giving-away-a-sticker-that-could-save-your-pets-life/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/this-company-is-giving-away-a-sticker-that-could-save-your-pets-life/#respondMon, 12 Feb 2018 21:42:31 +0000http://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=7332Imagine with me for a moment this horrifying, but very possible scenario: Your house erupts in flames while you are not home. The fire department responds, but after a quick sweep of the home, they find no people inside. Little did they know that your dog(s) or cat(s) were terrified and hiding out of view! […]

]]>Imagine with me for a moment this horrifying, but very possible scenario: Your house erupts in flames while you are not home. The fire department responds, but after a quick sweep of the home, they find no people inside. Little did they know that your dog(s) or cat(s) were terrified and hiding out of view!

This is one of those things that we simply don’t think about.

This is why we’re super excited to see that our friends at iHeartDogs are giving away their popular Pet Alert stickers for free! (just pay a small S&H fee that also includes a donation to an animal shelter)

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/this-company-is-giving-away-a-sticker-that-could-save-your-pets-life/feed/05 Signs Your Rescue Dog Came From An Abusive Homehttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/5-signs-your-rescue-dog-came-from-an-abusive-home/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/5-signs-your-rescue-dog-came-from-an-abusive-home/#respondSun, 11 Feb 2018 18:39:33 +0000http://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=7335Have you ever wondered if your rescue dog was abused before they became part of your family? Maybe they jump at every small sound or cower if you raise your hand or pick up the newspaper. While it’s usually impossible to know for sure what sort of situation your dog lived in previously, there are […]

]]>Have you ever wondered if your rescue dog was abused before they became part of your family? Maybe they jump at every small sound or cower if you raise your hand or pick up the newspaper. While it’s usually impossible to know for sure what sort of situation your dog lived in previously, there are some signs that could indicate a history of abuse.

Here are 5 signs that your dog may have come from an abusive home.

#1 – Physical signs

If your dog was too skinny or had healing wounds when you adopted them, it’s pretty obvious that your dog was neglected in their previous home, but some symptoms are more subtle. Nails that are longer than they should be, fur that doesn’t seem very healthy, walking with an unusual gait, and having places on their body that they don’t like to be touched are all signs that they may have been abused.

#2 – Food aggression

Does your dog scarf their food down so quickly that you wonder if they’re actually tasting it? Do they refuse to walk away from their bowl in the middle of eating? Do they growl or snap at you or other dogs for coming too close when they’re eating? These may all be signs that your dog grew up in a situation where they didn’t have a reliable source of food. Food aggression can be very dangerous and should be discussed with a trainer or veterinarian immediately.

#3 – Being extra clingy

If your dog insists on clinging to your side at all times, even when you need to use the restroom, they may have had an unstable puppyhood. This may be more prevalent in dogs that have been rehomed one or more times. Dogs that are extra clingy may have or may develop severe separation anxiety to the point that they whine, howl, become destructive, or urinate or defecate in the house as soon as you leave. There are a number of methods for dealing with separation anxiety that a trainer can help you with, and a comfort cuddler can help soothe your dog when you must leave the house.

#4 – Submission

While some dogs are naturally more submissive than others, an overly submissive dog may be displaying signs of abuse. Some signs of extreme submission include rolling over with tail tucked when approached, cowering, “smiling,” and lying down or cowering while urinating. Scolding a dog who is urinating submissively is likely to make the problem worse, so you should talk to a trainer to discuss ways to make your dog feel more comfortable with you in your home.

#5 – Fear or aggression

Many dogs will have one or two fears and may become aggressive in certain circumstances. Dogs that were abused tend to be afraid of everything and may be unpredictably aggressive. These dogs may need medication on top of work with a dog trainer to become more comfortable in the world.

Keep in mind that some dogs are just naturally more timid than others, so if you’ve been the only owner of your dog since they were a puppy, that doesn’t mean you’ve somehow neglected them if they display any of these signs.

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/5-signs-your-rescue-dog-came-from-an-abusive-home/feed/0This Freaky Looking Mushroom Shaped Toy is Going to Be Your Dog’s New Favorite Addictionhttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/freaky-looking-mushroom-shaped-toy-going-dogs-new-favorite-addiction/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/freaky-looking-mushroom-shaped-toy-going-dogs-new-favorite-addiction/#respondSun, 11 Feb 2018 00:23:41 +0000https://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=7354“I have enough dog toys” said no dog ever. It’s not often we come across a dog toy that is truly different. But the new, freaky looking Portoballo toy caused us to stop and think. The PortoBallo™ features a high bounce, making it perfect for wide open spaces. The erratic bounce of this ball toy will […]

It’s not often we come across a dog toy that is truly different. But the new, freaky looking Portoballo toy caused us to stop and think.

The PortoBallo features a high bounce, making it perfect for wide open spaces. The erratic bounce of this ball toy will keep you pup fixated and focused on figuring out where it will go next. Stuff the stem with kibble or kibble-sized treats to make it even more enticing and entertaining for your pup. It even emits a soft oscillating whistle when thrown at high speed, which causes dogs to love it even more and pursue it like its prey!

Take a look at the Portoballo in action:

The PortoBallo is part of Project Play’s PAWW Collection, featuring thoughtfully designed, engaging, multi-use toys. They work with Chuckit!®, Hyper-Pet, and other throwers that fit a tennis ball sized toy. It also floats for aquatic fun when whether permits!

As if we didn’t love it enough, as part of the iHeartDogs Project Play line, every toy purchased from iHeartDogs donates one to a shelter dog in need! Studies have found that shelter dogs have a 70% higher adoption rate when seen playing with toys!

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/freaky-looking-mushroom-shaped-toy-going-dogs-new-favorite-addiction/feed/0How to Train Your Dog to Walk Nicely On Leashhttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/how-to-train-your-dog-to-walk-nicely-on-leash/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/how-to-train-your-dog-to-walk-nicely-on-leash/#respondSat, 10 Feb 2018 10:00:40 +0000http://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=5105These essential tips will have both you and your dog enjoying walks in no time.

]]>One of the biggest challenges pet parents face is teaching their dogs to walk nicely on leash. Dogs don’t come to us knowing that we don’t like to run on our daily walks, nor do we like to be pulled around the neighborhood. It’s up to us to teach them how to walk politely. It’s well worth the investment of time to do this properly. Here are three tips to get you started on training loose-leash walking.

1. Make a connection

If we had just met and you wanted to take a walk with me, how comfortable would we be together at first? We most likely would be a bit guarded with one another until we knew each other better. The same is true for a relationship between a dog and their human.

Your rescue dog has likely gone through many environmental changes before coming to live with you, including a foster home, a shelter, or even a previous home. It is crucial to spend time with your new best friend inside your quiet home before you tackle the outside world together on walks.

Get to know your dog and let him get to know you, too. Work on reinforcing eye contact every time you say his name – which is most likely a brand new name for your dog. Say the name or make a noise to get his attention, and when he looks at you, say YES! and toss him a good treat. Eye contact and acknowledgement that you are seeking his attention is the first step of all training, so you really can’t do too much of this.

2. Use the right equipment

Please avoid anything that puts pressure on the vulnerable neck area. I see collars only as a great place to hang a pet ID tag. I highly encourage the use of harnesses and not collars.

Your dog may never have worn a collar, so as with all things new, please go slowly. I let the dog sniff the harness, maybe even leave it on the floor for a day or two as long as she doesn’t chew on it. When I go to put the harness on the first few times, I have a strong jerky-type treat in my hand that won’t be eaten quickly. I allow the dog to chew away on the treat that I hold in one hand as I get her used to the harness being put on and taken off.

Annie uses eye contact — and plenty of high-value treats — to establish a connection with her clients. (Photos by Tica Clarke Photography)

It’s important that the harness fits properly and comfortably. It’s also vital to have training treats that YOUR dogs really loves. Dogs are individuals and as such, have individual tastes.

3. Teach loose-leash walking indoors at first

I always start working with dogs in my training room. Always! I can control the environment in that room, as we give up some control in “the real world” in terms of what we may encounter on our walk.

Teach your dog that checking in with you (looking up at your face and into your eyes) results in YUMO meat or cheese reinforcers. The old saying in dog training is true: You get what you reinforce. Therefore, reinforce the heck out of your dog walking alongside you and checking in with you.

Begin training in an enclosed room off leash. Then slowly work up to attaching the leash to the harness and continue walking around the room, holding the leash and telling your dog often what a good boy he is. Mark every eye check with a YES! and treat. I treat a TON in the beginning stages of teaching a new behavior. I later back off the treats and switch to an intermittent rate of reinforcers.

To recap, the first and most important step of training any dog is to have a strong relationship with the animal that is based on connection and trust. Harsh training methods destroy that bond, so please don’t ever be tempted to punish your dog into a good walk. It isn’t worth the misery it causes either species.

Next, don’t allow any harm to come to your dog’s sensitive neck region; use a good harness instead and always have great training treats on hand.

And, finally, catch your dog doing the right things – being close to you on a walk – and reinforce it like crazy! Later you can use “environmental” rewards such as a fire hydrant the dog REALLY wants to visit – first you ask for a “check in,” then you can mark it with YES! and gleefully take the dog over to the thing he wanted to sniff in the first place.

]]>https://www.luckypuppymag.com/how-to-train-your-dog-to-walk-nicely-on-leash/feed/0How a Sick Dog Saved His Foster Mom From an Intruderhttps://www.luckypuppymag.com/how-a-sick-dog-saved-his-foster-mom-from-an-intruder/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/how-a-sick-dog-saved-his-foster-mom-from-an-intruder/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 10:00:05 +0000http://www.luckypuppymag.com/?p=5691When a man broke into Dorito's foster home, he scared him off and earned a forever family.

]]>Dorito the German Shepherd didn’t know much about the home he was living in. He’d spent just four days in it, recovering from surgery near the back of house. The former stray turned foster dog wasn’t sure he belonged there, but he knew the stranger who burst in through the back door definitely didn’t. This person wasn’t the man who’d pulled him from the shelter, or the woman who’d sat with him all night when a storm knocked the power out.

This unknown human was a threat to the kindest people Dorito had ever known, and the 8-year-old dog wasn’t going to be quiet about it. His recovery cone amplified the barking that brought Theresa Cavanaugh running to the back of her house, but not before it scared off the would-be home invader.

“He may have saved our lives. I feel like he returned the favor,” explains Theresa, who was home with her then-teenage son that Saturday morning back in June 2011. Her boyfriend wasn’t there, and she shudders to think what he could have come home to if it hadn’t been for Dorito.

“My house would have been robbed, and God knows what would have happened to us,” she says.

These days, Theresa refers to Dorito as her soulmate and best friend, but before the break-in she was determined to call him a foster dog. With two dogs at home already, she never intended to keep Dorito forever. He’d come into her life unexpectedly after a Facebook friend shared his shelter listing. The friend was in New York, but the dog was at Miami-Dade Animal Services, just an hour and a half from Theresa’s home in Lakeworth, Florida.

Having hosted a few short-term foster dogs before, Theresa felt she could help get Dorito out of the shelter and use her connections as a rescue volunteer to find him a forever home. Her boyfriend offered to drive to Miami to retrieve Doritio — something that turned out to be easier said than done.

According to Theresa, the shelter wasn’t planning on putting Dorito up for adoption — he was deemed too sick and was slated for euthanasia.

“He was full of ticks and fleas, he was covered in motor oil. He smelled really bad. He had a hematoma on his ear and a tumor on his testical,” she says.

After insisting that he wanted Doritio no matter what, Theresa’s boyfriend signed a waiver authorizing him to take the sick animal. Dorito was rushed into surgery — he needed to be neutered and have his hematoma removed before he could leave the shelter — and the next day he finally arrived at his new foster home.

Once Dorito learned to smile, he never stopped. (Photo courtesy Theresa Cavanaugh)

When the attempted break-in happened a few days later, Theresa knew Dorito was no longer a foster, but a full-fledged member of the family. She nursed him back to health, celebrated his first smile, and watched as he discovered the pool and a passion for swimming. For the first time in his life, things were going great for Dorito — until suddenly they weren’t.

“Five weeks after we brought him home, he came over to my side of the bed one night and he cried out and collapsed like a sack of potatoes on the floor and wouldn’t move,” Theresa recalls.

Dorito had to be carried into the animal hospital on a stretcher. He was hospitalized for three days, but the root cause of his collapse is still a mystery. After returning home, Doritio’s health improved, but odd symptoms like a seemingly sore paw would pop up from time to time. Then, in August 2012, he had another health setback when he started dragging his rear paws. His vet was stumped, and as the dragging got worse, Dorito’s family suspected he could be suffering from Degenerative Myelopathy, a disease common in German Shepherds.

According to Theresa, the disease is progressive, but not painful. Even after losing the use of his back end, Dorito continued to enjoy life for years, something his family credits to great vet care, acupuncture, and especially swimming. For the final 15 months of his life, Dorito’s family members carried his back end for him, wheelbarrow style, but it still didn’t slow him down or keep him out of the water.

Dorito and Theresa — each would do anything for the other. (Photo courtesy Theresa Cavanaugh)

“He would pull us into the pool if we weren’t careful because he was really hard to steer,” Theresa explains, adding that disabled, older dogs like Dorito can still make great pets if given the opportunity.

“He was happy and playing and enjoying life up until the last two days,” she says. “He had a great life.”

She remains grateful for the social media post that convinced her to pull Dorito from the shelter, and to Dorito himself for stopping what could have been a tragic home invasion. Her act of kindness saved his life, and in turn, the formerly neglected dog just may have saved her own.

]]>Dogs have kennels and fenced-in yards to help them enjoy the great outdoors, but what about cats? Even the most cuddly, furry homebodies can benefit from time spent outside in the fresh air. This is where Catio Spaces comes into play. Building custom enclosures in the greater Seattle area and designing DIY catio plans for virtually anyone to install at home, the Catio Spaces team delivers safe, aesthetically pleasing solutions for cats and their families.

Founded by a feng shui consultant and designer, Catio Spaces is a concept that marries form and function, giving animal lovers a way to enjoy outdoor living in the company of their cats, without having to worry about protecting your pet from nature (think local wildlife, predators, poisonous plants, and animal diseases) or nature from your pet (birds, lizards, etc.). The DIY designs ($49.95 per plan) can work with almost any window, patio, deck, or yard space, while the custom enclosures (the company provides free estimates) give your cat some space and a little freedom to roam.

What’s also great about Catio Spaces – besides the health benefits for your pet – is that $5 from each sale of the DIY enclosures go to an animal shelter. Recipients have include the ASPCA, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, and PAWS. So your sweet Whiskers gets an al fresco hideaway and homeless animals benefit as well.